Description
Indulge in the essence of autumn with these tender, moist pumpkin cupcakes. Infused with warm spices and softened by unsweetened applesauce, the light crumb provides the perfect base for a silky, maple-kissed cream cheese frosting. Finished with a crown of crunchy milk chocolate toffee bits, this delightful treat balances creamy, spiced, and sweet textures into a comforting dessert perfect for any crisp fall afternoon.
Ingredients
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1 cup pumpkin puree
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
2 tbsp pure maple syrup
1/2 cup Heath milk chocolate toffee bits
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
In a large bowl, beat the pumpkin puree, applesauce, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, and eggs until smooth.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
Divide the batter evenly into the prepared muffin liners.
Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack.
For the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy.
Gradually whisk in the powdered sugar and maple syrup until smooth.
Pipe or spread the frosting onto cooled cupcakes and sprinkle generously with toffee bits.
Notes
Ensure your eggs, cream cheese, and butter are at room temperature before mixing for the smoothest frosting consistency. Store cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The toffee bits add the best crunch when added right before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg